Ohio Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete Ohio mortgage guide covers FHA loan limits by county, OHFA down payment assistance, USDA rural loans for rural Ohio, VA resources for Ohio’s veteran community anchored by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and a complete closing cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for an Ohio Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Ohio — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Ohio Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by county, loan programs, OHFA assistance, property taxes, and the 2026 Ohio housing market overview covering Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and beyond.
Read guide →Ohio First-Time Home Buyer Guide
OHFA’s Down Payment Assistance program, required homebuyer education, and income and purchase price limits explained.
Read guide →Ohio FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits for Franklin (Columbus metro), Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Hamilton (Cincinnati), and all 88 Ohio counties.
Read guide →Ohio VA Loan Requirements
VA loan benefits for Ohio veterans — no down payment, no PMI, and how Wright-Patterson Air Force Base shapes the Dayton-area housing market.
Read guide →Ohio USDA Loans
USDA-eligible rural areas across Ohio outside its metro cores — income limits and eligibility explained.
Read guide →Ohio Closing Costs Guide
Ohio’s conveyance fee structure, typical buyer and seller costs, and what to expect at closing.
Read guide →Key Ohio Mortgage Guide Facts
FHA Loan Limits (2026)
- Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway & Union (Columbus metro): $591,100
- All other 78 counties, including Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Hamilton (Cincinnati), Montgomery (Dayton), Lucas (Toledo) & Summit (Akron): $541,287
- Confirm your county at HUD’s official lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- OHFA: 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA/VA/USDA) of the purchase price as forgivable assistance — forgiven after 7 years, repaid in full if you sell or refinance sooner
- Credit score 640+ (conventional/USDA/VA) or 650+ (FHA); income and purchase price limits apply
- HUD-approved homebuyer education required before closing
- Current terms at myohiohome.org
Property Taxes
- Est. effective rate 1.31% (Census ACS 2020–2024: median tax $2,822 ÷ median home value $214,800)
- Rates vary significantly by county and school district levies
- Details at the Ohio Department of Taxation
Closing Costs
- Buyer closing costs: 1–3% of purchase price (Est.)
- Conveyance fee of up to $4 per $1,000 of sale price (mandatory + permissive, ORC 319.54(G)(3)) — typically paid by the seller
- No statewide mortgage or intangible tax
Buying or Refinancing in Ohio?
Ohio offers strong down payment assistance through OHFA, reasonable closing costs, and FHA limits that flex for the Columbus metro. Our guides above break down all of it, and every figure links to the official source so you can verify current terms.
- ✓ Check OHFA eligibility and current terms at myohiohome.org
- ✓ Confirm your county’s 2026 FHA limit with HUD’s lookup tool
- ✓ Compare FHA vs. conventional using our loan program guides
- ✓ Estimate your total cash to close with our closing cost guide
No obligation · Educational first
Talk to an Ohio Mortgage Advisor
Have questions about buying or refinancing in Ohio? A licensed mortgage advisor can walk you through your loan options, assistance programs and costs, with no obligation.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor